EU, France and Germany condemn US visa bans

High-ranking officials in Brussels, Paris and Berlin have come out in support of Europe’s right to regulate the activities of foreign companies at the local level.

The representative of the European Commission stated that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a common value in the entire democratic world. He confirmed that the EU expects clarification from Washington.

Washington imposed visa bans on five European citizens, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton from France. The Secretary of State said in a statement that they used their position to promote repressive censorship measures against American figures and American companies.

The US has previously warned in a national security strategy document that Europe is facing “civilizational obliteration” and must change course if it wants to remain a reliable US ally.